I am a permanent legal resident of this country, I was born in Korea; my parents came to America for a better life for our family, I've lived here nearly my whole life, and even though I consider myself through and through Korean and American, I guess when it comes down to it, anyone can take away my identity. It doesn't belong to me.

In this quote, Su-chin Pak reflects on her complex sense of identity as an immigrant and permanent legal resident of the United States. Although she was born in Korea and deeply values her Korean heritage, she also identifies as American, having lived in the U.S. for most of her life. The quote highlights the internal struggle that many immigrants face, where their identity is shaped by both their cultural background and their experience in a new country.

Pak's statement, "I guess when it comes down to it, anyone can take away my identity," touches on the fragility of identity in a legal and societal context. Despite her strong connection to both Korean and American cultures, her identity is not entirely within her control. The concept of identity being external and subject to the legal and political powers that govern one's residency reveals a deeper vulnerability for immigrants, whose status can often be altered or revoked.

By saying her identity "doesn't belong to me," Pak acknowledges the influence that external forces—such as immigration laws or societal perceptions—have on how she is perceived and defined. This highlights a core tension for immigrants: the sense of belonging to two cultures, but also the knowledge that their status in either can be uncertain or easily shifted, depending on external factors like citizenship or immigration status.

Ultimately, Pak's quote underscores the complexity of navigating multiple identities in a country that often sees things in black and white terms, particularly when it comes to issues of nationality and immigration. Her words reflect both pride and vulnerability, as she balances her connection to her roots with the reality of living in a world where her identity can be legally redefined.